34-year-old Paul Scholes hasn't seen much action this season and
damaged knee ligaments during the Champions League Group E clash with
Aalborg.
Reports had suggested that the experienced midfielder
was already spraying passes around the training ground and would back
in time for the Manchester derby on November 30
"There's no
chance of him being back for City, absolutely no chance," Fergie
affirmed. "We’ve pencilled him in for the week before the Japan trip.
The week before, possibly."
The Red Devils are scheduled to take
part in the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan in December and Scholes should
see some playing time.
"Paul's doing very well," the Scot added, "He’s kicking a ball and he’s doing a lot of straight running, but that’s it."